Nov 28 2025

What's on in Gloucester in December?

It's time to get your decs up and press play on that Christmas music as December is near! Gloucester has a huge variety of events happening this month, not to mention Festive Menus arriving, and the always on, but with Festive Twists!

Here are just some highlights! Make sure to check out our What's On pages where you can search by date, so that you don't miss a thing.

Winter Windows

02 Dec - 04 Jan, Museum of Gloucester

This Christmas, the Museum of Gloucester is proud to present Winter Windows, a festive display created in collaboration with five local schools: Widden Primary, Grange Primary Academy, Castle Hill Primary, Highnam Academy, and St. Paul's Primary. Over 1,000 pupils helped craft imaginative cardboard window displays exploring winter traditions, light, and warmth. Inspired by the joy of an advent calendar, these beautifully decorated windows fill the museum with seasonal magic.

Alice Jones - An Evening of Winter Sparkle

04 Dec, The Folk of Gloucester

Alice Jones is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and dancer from Ripponden in West Yorkshire. Her background is deeply rooted in the English folk tradition and the music that she makes instantly reflects this strong influence. Alice sings mostly traditional songs accompanying herself on the piano or harmonium and sometimes only with foot percussion. The sensitive and intuitive arrangements of each song allow the stories to take centre stage and, inspired by her beginnings as a percussive dancer, they are loaded with a rhythm and energy that portrays her dancer's heartbeat.

Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night

05 - 20 Dec, Gloucester Cathedral

Everything looks and feels just a bit more beautiful after dark in the Cathedral at this time of year. Wander among the twinkling lights and decorations while music fills the air. Don't forget your camera! Enjoy live performances from Cathedral musicians and friends, and treat yourself to a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate from The Monk's Kitchen, open throughout the evening.

Decorate a Gingerbread Reindeer Workshop

06 Dec, Kathleen & May

Head down to Santa's Elves Floating Workshop located aboard the Kathleen and May lying in Gloucester Docks UK. Get into the festive spirit as you decorate your very own gingerbread reindeer while aboard this historic tall ship. It's the perfect way to kick off the festive season! Don't miss out on this unique experience and book your spot now!

Gloucester Quays Christmas Markets

Every Weekend until 21 Dec, Gloucester Quays

Located across Gloucester Quays and the historic docks, over 120 traders will showcase the very best craft, gifts and food from the Southwest region for you to experience and enjoy. Every weekend in the run-up to Christmas, the Christmas Markets will be the perfect place to find that unique gift for friends and loved ones, soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy a day out for the whole family.

Breakfast with Santa & his Elves

07 Dec, Coal Kitchen

Coal Kitchen welcomes families and friends to meet Santa and his merry band of elves for a magical morning of festive food and fun this December. Bring your family or friends to enjoy a delicious breakfast including hot drinks, pastries and Gloucestershire Full English as Santa Claus roams the restaurant meeting and greeting all his little guests.

Stories with Santa

07 Dec, Llanthony Secunda Priory

Santa is stopping at Llanthony Secunda Priory this festive season! Come along for a magical morning where families can make memories, start traditions and enjoy the excitement of Christmas together. Children will be welcomed into the beautiful surroundings of the Priory to settle in for a festive story with Santa himself. Each child will receive an early Christmas present and have the chance to take a photo with Santa, making it a perfect keepsake for years to come.

Meet St Nicholas

13 & 20 Dec, Gloucester Cathedral

Discover the origins of Father Christmas and step into the Christmas story as you meet St Nicholas himself! Every child will be given a special age-appropriate book gift to take home and treasure. While waiting to see St Nick, families can enjoy a variety of cheerful Christmas crafts.

Santa Fun Run

13 Dec, Gloucester City Centre

The Santa Fun Run is back this year on Saturday 13 December! Put on a Santa Hat and Snood or a full Santa Outfit and run, walk or be pushed round a 1k or 5k route of your choice! There is still time to sign up so don't miss your chance!

Gloucester City Football Christmas Fireworks

14 Dec, TigerTurf Stadium

Mark your calendars for Sunday 14 December, when TigerTurf Stadium in Hempsted, Gloucester bursts into festive life for an unforgettable Christmas celebration from 4.00pm – 9.00pm. This is more than just an event—it's a Christmas experience of reindeer, funfair rides, lasers, and fireworks you'll never forget.

Uncle Holly, A Ghost Story for Christmas

15 & 18 Dec, Blackfriars Priory

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Upper East Range at Blackfriars Priory, join us for a frightfully festive performance of 'Uncle Holly'. An original ghost story for Christmas, written in the Victorian vein, featuring the malevolent spectre of Synderford, Uncle Holly. Jonathan Goodwin performs this one-man show. Written by Jonathan Goodwin and co-directed by Goodwin and Gary Archer.

The Chaotic Christmas Pub Quiz

18 Dec, Hop Kettle

"It's beginning to look a lot like Quizmas…" Join Quiz Master Andy for the ultimate Christmas Pub Quiz! As the first Xmas quiz sold out so quickly, they're hosting an encore quiz! Don't worry, it will be the same questions as the first, so don't worry about missing out. Tickets are live now!

Santa & Sven

22 & 23 Dec, Gloucester Guildhall

Come and see Santa & Sven in this enchanting, interactive show – perfect Christmas entertainment for ages 2+ and all the family. Now in a staggering 6th year, British comic actor Stewart Wright returns once more to bring the Father of Christmas to life. Experienced at entertaining all ages with his own brand of improvisation and audience interaction, it's where theatre meets 'An Audience With' Father Christmas.

Gloucester History Festival Winter Warmer

28 Dec - 11 Feb, Online

Over 50 compelling talks and debates include appearances Alice Roberts, Frank Skinner, David Olusoga, Lyse Doucet, Tracy Borman, Janina Ramirez, Celia Imrie, Michael Heseltine, Alan Johnson, Greg Jenner and many more! Enjoy six weeks of fabulous history and bring the past to life this winter.

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